COVID-19 RESOURCES

As American life is altered significantly in response to COVID-19, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is providing resources and advocacy tools to connect people with outdoor space where they can be active and well during this time. We are sharing content and data that provides insights on safely accessing trails and the outdoors now, as well as information and tools to support trail managers in keeping communities safe, and perspectives on the long-term impacts of the illness on the trails movement and the communities we all serve. We are leading national efforts to call on local officials to repurpose streets to create more space for people to be active at a safe social distance, and we are organizing the trails and active transportation movement in response to federal stimulus opportunities. While we are working hard to maintain up-to-date content, the CDC’s website, coronavirus.gov, as well as local and state public health agencies are the best resources for current public health guidance and local orders and regulations.

Nationwide, people are seeking outdoor space where they can be active at a safe social distance. Trail use is surging, while many parks and other outdoor facilities are closed. At the same time, most walking and biking facilities are not wide enough to allow for 6 feet of distance between people. This unprecedented demand for places to walk and bike underscores the value that trails have always delivered to communities—in the form of health and wellness, economic opportunity and resilience. RTC is organizing people from across the country to advocate for more open space to walk and bike locally and for investment in this vital infrastructure at the federal level.

Americans are hunkering down in efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result of fewer people traveling to work and everyday errands, car traffic has significantly decreased in many towns and cities. Local officials can now strategically repurpose streets to create more space for walking and biking, giving people enough space to be active outside while practicing appropriate social distancing—thousands have already called for this change and dozens of cities have already taken action nationwide.

Sign our petition calling on the nation’s mayors, county officials and local elected leaders to take immediate action, closing select streets to create safe places for walking and biking for all Americans during the COVID-19 public health crisis—essentially providing a trail in every neighborhood in America.

Local officials and elected leaders have shared how important it is to hear from their constituents about solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in creating more safe space to walk, bike and be active in your neighborhood, RTC has created advocacy tools with tips and resources to support local resident advocacy as well as planning efforts led by local officials and planners.

RTC’s COVID-19 content library includes articles about appropriate trail use, physical activity and wellness, and trail building and advocacy during this time. Articles are available to cite or reprint with credit to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Please contact Patricia Brooks atpatricia@matchmapmedia.comwith inquiries, interview requests and ideas for future content.

TrailLinkis a free trail-finder resource with information on more than 37,000 miles of trails nationwide. The website and mobile app are a service provided by RTC that includes trail maps, as well as walking and biking directions to local trails, contact information for local trail managers, and status updates about trail facilities. RTC recommends that all trail users check the local guidance on outdoor activities and with local trail organizations to confirm status of facilities prior to visiting.

Creating Connectivity: The Power of Trails

May 18, 2020

Trails link communities, serve as transportation corridors, provide accessible recreation opportunities, and generate health and economic benefits. During the current COVID-19 crisis, trail usage has soared, amplifying the need for this critical amenity. Liz Thorstensen, Vice President of Trail Development at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), and Richard Edwards, Trail Solutions Director of Construction & Operations at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), will discuss how trail systems have adapted to serve as safe spaces in response to COVID-19, and provide insight into what the future holds for trail usage. They will share best practices in trail planning and development for both hard surface and natural surface trails, and detail the elements that create a successful, world-class trail network, including tools for equitable trail planning and the importance of community activation and programming.

The Role of Trails in Economic Recovery Webinar

April 30, 2020

This webinar provided an overview of how economic stimulus plans and reauthorization of the federal transportation law could advance trails and active transportation, and how you can help.

Closing Streets to Create Space for Walking and Biking During COVID-19

Apr. 2, 2020

Many cities already practice "open streets" and "car-free streets" on major thoroughfares as standard practice on weekends, but with the unprecedented changes we’re facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, converting more streets to car-free zones seven days per week could profoundly change the quality of life for millions of Americans. Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to hear from advocates and city leaders who have acted quickly to make open-streets available in their cities on a daily basis.

Trail Use and Management During the COVID 19 Pandemic

Mar. 26, 2020

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, we’re seeing how important trails and other active transportation infrastructure are in creating strong, healthy, resilient communities. In the last few weeks, we seen unprecedented numbers of people turning to trails and walking and biking for physical activity, respite and transportation. As a result, trail managers are facing unprecedented challenges to respond to the extreme increase in demand, while simultaneously striving to balance public health and safety in an era of social distancing. Watch our rapid-response webinar to hear from trail leaders in COVID-19 hotspots who are facing these challenges in real time.

Can you social distance outside and what does that mean? Check out these awesome examples from our @DuluthParksMN team! Getting outside is a great way to get out of the house and fight anxiety. Stay safe Duluth! pic.twitter.com/PBFQDpfxyY

RTC is making available public service announcements to encourage safe social distancing and trail etiquette during COVID-19 for use by media outlets, blogs and partners. Public service announcements can be reproduced at no cost, and should be attributed to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Please contact Patricia Brooks at patricia@matchmapmedia.com with inquiries and requests for different content and format types.